The role of the Natura 2000 Network in spatial planning policies. Ecosystem services and management plans: the question of water purification

EU waters are under increasing pressure due to the growth of the demand for good quality water to be used for different purposes. Some ecosystems naturally provide the service of water purification, reducing costs for the human society. This should be recognised with absolute priority for their strategic role, in all planning levels. Nevertheless, currently official disposition for the evaluation of ecosystem services is still lacking. The Natura 2000 Network represents the vital core for several ecosystem services, including water purification. The Natura 2000 sites are often managed by specific plans (“management plans”) in order to define conservation measures for habitats and species, also considering socio-economic needs. These plans do not consider the presence of ecosystem services yet. In order to recognise the role of Natura 2000 sites for its beneficial contributions, the challenge is to build a framework aiming at integrating ecosystem services into everyday decisions. Consequently, to include the evaluation and mapping of ecosystem services in the management plans since the earliest phase is surely a good start in the pathway for the sustainability.